Losing a job can be devastating, but if you were wrongfully terminated, you have legal options to fight back. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing.
Proving wrongful termination requires strong evidence, and knowing what to collect can make a significant difference in your case. If you believe you were unlawfully fired, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free legal consultation to discuss your rights.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination?
Not all firings are illegal, but certain circumstances can make a termination unlawful. A wrongful termination case may be valid if an employee was fired for:
- Discrimination – Being terminated based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or another protected characteristic.
- Retaliation – Losing your job after reporting workplace misconduct, harassment, or illegal activity.
- Whistleblowing – Being fired for exposing fraud, safety violations, or other unlawful practices.
- Violation of an employment contract – If your employer broke an agreement that guaranteed job security.
- Exercising legal rights – Being terminated for taking medical leave, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or refusing to engage in illegal activity.
If any of these apply to your situation, gathering evidence is essential to proving your claim.
Key Evidence to Strengthen Your Wrongful Termination Case
To build a strong wrongful termination claim, you need documentation that demonstrates why you were fired and how your employer’s actions were unlawful. Here are the most important types of evidence to collect:
1. Termination Letter or Employment Records
- If your employer provided a written termination letter, keep a copy, as it may contain valuable information about the reason for your firing.
- Gather pay stubs, performance reviews, and company policies that could contradict your employer’s claims.
2. Emails, Texts, and Other Communications
- Save emails, text messages, or memos that may show a pattern of discrimination, retaliation, or unfair treatment leading up to your termination.
- If you complained about misconduct before being fired, any responses from HR or management could serve as key evidence.
3. Performance Reviews and Work History
- If you consistently received positive performance reviews, they can help prove that your termination was not based on poor job performance.
- Compare past evaluations, promotions, or awards with the reason your employer gave for firing you.
4. Witness Testimonies
- Coworkers who witnessed discriminatory behavior, retaliation, or other illegal actions can provide valuable testimony.
- If anyone in your workplace overheard discussions about your termination or saw unfair treatment, their statements can strengthen your case.
5. Evidence of Retaliation
- If you were fired shortly after filing a complaint about harassment, discrimination, or illegal workplace activity, this timing may suggest retaliation.
- Keep a record of any disciplinary actions, demotions, or schedule changes that happened before your termination.
6. Company Policies and Employee Handbook
- Compare your employer’s stated policies with how you were treated.
- If your employer violated its own termination procedures, this could help demonstrate unfair treatment.
Steps to Take If You Were Wrongfully Terminated
If you believe you were fired illegally, taking the right steps can help you protect your rights and strengthen your case.
1. Request a Reason for Your Termination
- If you were not given a written explanation, ask for one in writing.
- Be sure to document any verbal explanations from your employer.
2. File a Complaint with a Government Agency
- You can report wrongful termination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) if discrimination was involved.
- For retaliation claims, you may also file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner.
3. Consult an Employment Law Attorney
- A wrongful termination attorney can review your case, determine the strength of your evidence, and help you seek compensation.
- Legal representation can help you file a lawsuit, negotiate a settlement, or reinstate your position if applicable.
Fight Back Against Wrongful Termination
Losing your job unfairly can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, gathering the right evidence is crucial to proving your case. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding your employer accountable.